Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a mental health condition characterized by impulsiveness, high activity levels and difficulty maintaining attention. It may begin during toddlerhood. Individuals are sometimes classified as having predominately impulsive symptoms, predominately hyperactive symptoms or a combination of both. ADHD may be mild, moderate or severe. The supervision and safety of a toddler with ADHD can prove challenging for parents and other caregivers.
Causes
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has been attributed to a myriad number of causes over the years. Recent theories include genetic predisposition, differences in brain chemicals, alterations in various parts of the brain, premature birth, low birth weight and womb influences such as maternal smoking or alcohol use. Psychosocial influences such as violence in the home or a chaotic home environment may increase the risk of ADHD in a child already predisposed to the condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms are difficult to spot in a toddler because the normal 1- to 3-year-old is impulsive and highly active by nature. It is a time of energy and inquisitiveness, but a toddler with ADHD may strike his parents or caregivers as being much more active or inattentive than his peers. Signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include talking for hours without stopping, being in almost constant motion, an inability to participate in a group activity and seldom being able to complete an age-appropriate task. The child may be accident-prone, rush into traffic to chase a ball, strike other children or walk out of the house while the parent is occupied.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of attention deficit disorder typically begins with parental concern about the child's behavior. The child's pediatrician may physically examine the child to rule out other conditions and ask the parents a number of questions regarding the child's behavior. The child's actions may be observed for a period of time. The doctor may also ask whether the child has been through any traumatic, emotional upsets, explains the website Baby Center. He may refer the child to a pediatric psychiatrist or psychologist or make the diagnosis himself based upon his findings. It is unusual for ADHD to be diagnosed in toddlerhood because of the difficulty discerning pathological behavior from normal toddler actions.
Treatment
Treatment for toddler ADHD is limited. Attention deficit disorder medications are not FDA-approved for use before the age of 3, explains the National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapy, employed for older children, is typically of little benefit for a toddler. Behavioral therapy may produce some beneficial results. Parents may have success using a system of rewards for appropriate behavior, suggests Baby Center. It is also helpful to engage the entire group of caregivers in an effort to maintain consistency and safe surroundings. Parents may wish to plan events and manipulate surroundings ahead of time so that the child is not faced with temptations that would cause undesirable behavior.
Prognosis
ADHD often persists into adulthood but the child may become much better at managing symptoms as he develops. More treatment options also become available as the child enters his school years. With family support, early intervention and a structured, positive atmosphere, most individuals can have a fulfilling childhood and a successful adult life.
References
- "Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: Concepts of Care in Evidence-Based Practice"; Mary C. Townsend, M.N., A.P.R.N.; 2006
- Baby Center: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Signs and Symptoms
- National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: Your Child -- ADHD
